Sometimes, you’ve got to spend some money to save some money. Here are three great programs that will cost you a few dollars today but could save you hundreds of dollars over the months ahead:
Everyone knows that AAA is the place to go for free maps and roadside assistance, but did you know that they have one of the largest discount programs in the world? AAA membership can help you save at over 150,000 hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers and other merchants nationwide. Membership is just $50 – $60 per year (depending upon what the AAA club in your state charges) and you can easily cover that cost with just one brief trip. I recently saved $30 per night on a week-long stay at a Marriott, so my $60 membership instantly provided me with $210 in savings!
The Entertainment Book certainly gets this concept, as their motto is, “More than pays for itself!” The book is packed with thousands of local coupons for restaurants, entertainment attractions, shopping, and travel deals. Most of the deals are either 50% off or 2-for-1 offers, so you’ll make up the $30 price with just one or two half priced meals or discount movie tickets. The Entermainment Book has a much more robust Web site than it used to, so just type in your zip code to instantly view savings opportunities that may be right around the corner from you. Plus, this is a great time to buy the book, since they will give you a 2009 book for free when you reserve your 2010 copy — an extra six months of savings!
Restaurant.com is a great way to shrink the bill at your favorite restaurant, or to bring down the cost at the new place you’ve been dying to try. You purchase discount gift certificates on their Web site, with prices generally $4 for a $10 certificate or $10 for a $25 certificate. There is a usually a minimum you need to spend in addition to the gift certificate amount, so check the terms offered by each restaurant, but this really is free money back to you. Their Web site also offers an easy way to find restaurants that participate in the program and you may be surprised by how many of your favorites are included — there are 25 participating restaurants within one mile of my house!